Fun in Blogging

Oh my love is like a red, red rose | Ruby Tuesday

2009-12-13T01:49:00.000-08:00

Bunches of red roses I photographed in a flower trading market in
Donna Lucata in Sicily.

Like red? Check out more bloggers' photos by tapping the shoes.

Red Pineapples | Ruby Tuesday

2009-12-08T01:24:00.000-08:00

This is my second entry for Ruby Tuesday. Took this photo in Baguio City during Panagbenga 2007. The next day there were only three left. Don't know what the name of the plant though. If someone could tell me I will give due credit. Thanks.

For more Ruby Tuesday Photos tap the shoes.

Beware Pacman

2009-11-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

In the recent fight of Manny Pacquiao I first heard the news that he is becoming infidel to his wife, Jinky. Quickly I thought about this thing that it's a woman who might knock him out if no one in the ring could.

Photo borrowed from www.makli.com

Ruby Tuesday #1

2009-11-18T12:14:00.000-08:00

Does anyone recognize Bobby, the faithful dog? I took this photo when we went to Scotland. The bar is near the church yard where Bobby and his master, John Gray, are buried. Yes, in case you didn't know, Bobby's Bar is named after the dog you see on the monument.

Do you know the story of Bobby? When John Gray died Bobby stayed on his tomb and never left until he died 13 years later. A good friend of John Gray would bring him food day in and day out. However, when Bobby died the people couldn't decide whether to bury him next to his master in the church graveyard because they said that they were not sure what his religion was. So instead thy buried him just outside the gate.

Up to this day, people still bring Bobby some gifts like flowers, stuff toys and even lottery tickets supposedly to bring luck.

Here's Bobby's tomb which also contains red, the shoes of our tour guide.

For more Ruby Tuesday photos click here and if you want to join Ruby Tuesday click the badge below and you could win a thanksgiving giveaway.

My new craze--Nokia Booklet 3G

2009-10-11T06:27:00.001-07:00

I was searching for mini laptops the other day and found a link to this Nokia booklet 3G so I checked it out and I was in for a big surprise. Being a Nokia fan, I fell in love right away at this lovely mini notebook.

Just released October 9, Booklet 3G will be first available in Germany for O2 customers on October 22. Okay, before we talk about the price let's look at the exciting features of this new Nokia gem.

Nokia Booklet 3G overview

Computing Features

Up to 12 hours of usage time
Last for a heavy work day
Windows 7 and Intel Atom processor
Charge it and go – no need to worry about taking your charger with you

Design Features

A stylish, premium design with a chassis made from a single piece of machined aluminum
19.9 mm thin
Three different colors at launch: black, ice (white) and azure (blue)

Connectivity Capability

Inbuilt WLAN and WWAN enable connectivity to the Internet anywhere a WiFi or cellular network connection is found
3G/ HSPA with hot swappable simcard

Syncing !

Integrated Ovi Suite enables easy sync of calendar contacts, media with your device and the cloud

Integrated Nokia services

Ovi Suite 2.0
Nokia Music for PC
Ovi Maps
Social Hub – keeps track of your social software feeds in one spot and serves as a SMS sender
Nokia software updater

Nokia Booklet 3G full specification
Dimensions

Weight (max) 1250 g
Dimensions (max) 264 x 185 x 19.9 mm

CPU and Chipset

Intel Atom Z530, 1.6 GHz
Intel Poulsbo US15W, fanless design

Memory and Storage

RAM: 1 GB, DDR2, 533 Mhz, soldered down
HDD: 120 GB, 1.8”/5mmH/SATA, 8 MB cache, 4200 RPM

Display

10.1”, 1280×720 pixels, glass window

Battery

16 cell, 56.8 Wh, Li-Ion prismatic, removable design

Connectivity

802.11 b/g/n, 2T2R
BT 2.1 + EDR
Inbuilt 3G modem (data calls only). Different variants: WCDMA: 850/1900/2100 or WCDMA 900/2100 or no modem.
All modem variants have GSM and GPRS
Assisted-GPS

I/O ports

1 x HDMI 1.2 out
3 x USB 2.0
1 x headphone out (OMTP 3.5 mm) – with OMTP headsets also functions as audio in
1 x DC-in
1 x SD card reader
1 x SIM / USIM slot

Camera and microphone

1.3 MP front facing camera with integrated microphone

Keyboard

Frame keyboard
2 physical layouts: US (78 keys, 17 mm pitch, 1.8 mm stroke) and UK (79 keys, 16.7 mm pitch, 1.8 mm stroke)

Other

Accelerometer

Inbox contents

Nokia Booklet 3G
BC-1S battery
AC/DC power adapter
Quick setup guide and warranty instructions
Headset WH-205
USB charging multi-cable CA-126

Software

Operating System: Windows 7 Starter Edition, Home Premium or Professional
MS Office Small Business 60 day trial
MS Internet Explorer 8
HDD protection utility, Hotkey utility , Knock Control utility, Power Profile Switcher, Battery Life utility
Nokia Update Manager
Ovi Suite
Ovi Maps Gadget
Social Hub
F-Secure Internet Security 2010 trial

References:
www.3g.co.uk
www.conversations.nokia.com

Bayanihan is what we need for the Philippines today

2009-10-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

The most wonderful Filipino word,--at least for me--Bayanihan, literally means carrying a house to a new place by a group of people usually a community. I think wikipedia has a better definition. Anyway, one of my most precious memories of childhood was witnessing one exactly like in the photo. Even in my childish thought I took delight in seeing the spirit of unity in lending a hand.

Obviously, Bayanihan also means voluntarily helping together by the whole community, town, or country. This is what the Philippines need now. With all the calamities here and there, the Filipinos should work hand in hand to help the less fortunate kababayans. This is the time to set aside selfish interest and instead reach out to those who are in dire need.

The world may be pouring in financial aids and food and support but I believe that the most important thing for Filipinos is to do Bayanihan. Starting from the president down to the lowest part of the community, everyone has got to help.

My dreaded winter months are back!

2009-10-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

The bus I took this morning was friggin cold. I wondered why the driver didn't turn on the heating. It felt like zero degree although it was 5. But the drop in the temperature is such an unwelcome event for me.

When I got off the bus I was gritting my teeth with the slight freezing wind. I wished I had put on more underpants. Thanks to my leg warmers and the boots the lower part of my legs were warm enough. I was in this stream of thought when a biker passed bye and the rider was only wearing short pants. If my jaw was not tightly screwed it would have dropped to the ground. I was going to get bothered at his display of arrogance (IMBO)* but then I quickly deliberated with self that maybe he was feeling warm enough because he was exerting energy pedalling and heaven knows how far he has come to get to work.

This year we're so lucky here in the UK to have one of the rarest long summers. Well it's not really a good thing for every single person as I'm sure the farmers didn't like the dry weather. In fact even our vegetables in the allotment have suffered from this year's dry spell.

I really wished it would be like summer all year long but that's impossible. But at least this year it lingered on a bit.

As the winter months take over getting up early in the morning is becoming a drag for me. Take note, it's just the beginning. We don't even have frost yet. I wish I could get to work later but I think it's better to rise up early and finish early.

*In my bigoted opinion

Watch Mayweather-Marquez 24/7

2009-09-20T01:50:00.000-07:00

Finally, I'm looking forward to Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. When would that be? Are you anticipating for it too?

Toyota Floor Mats May Be Deadly Hazard

2009-09-17T13:44:00.001-07:00

Toyota Floor Mats May Be Deadly Hazard

Shared via AddThis

First-day-at-work nightmare

2009-09-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

It's never easy on your first day at work. There's just too much information you have to know. Although it wasn't my first day in the place but I used to work in the other section and now it's entirely different. I used to just stuff envelopes, now I got to prepare letters. I thought it was going to be an easy thing--yea for sure the use of computer and software is pretty easy but the information contained in the documents are pretty complicated. My work now involves decision-making which is really not a big deal, or so I thought. So why did I make a mistake? Because I trusted too much. I yelled at myself for not following my intuition. Good thing I had not done many letters. And as we found out it wasn't all my fault because someone else put the envelopes in the wrong tray and section.

Well, I could have avoided the mistake if I were not dumb. Just because someone handed you a ten quid and said it was 5 doesn't mean you have to trust him/her, innit? You have to at least take a quick look and examination to make sure that information and reality match.

I always dread first day. Anyway, it seems the normal learning process for me always involve making a mistake. And most of the time I learn them during my first day.

Back to blogging

2009-09-14T06:18:00.001-07:00

I missed blogging so much. Since I last posted here many things have transpired some memories stayed and some have escaped. I have always dreamed of making money from my blogs but I just can't focus. There are too many distractions. I need to be more organized. If I want to be a successful blogger I have to stop dreaming and start doing.

So first I shall have an organizer where I will scribble the things I need to do, which ones to prioritize and create a time management system. Since I want to profit from my blogs I must learn how to do it properly and therefore it's important that I observe successful bloggers.

The most important thing about monetizing blog is traffic. So that's the first area I need to study and hopefully by the end of this week I shall have gathered enough information and implement them as soon as possible.

Now, where do I go next?

Ah, scribble my last holiday in Sicily. So watch out for it in the next few days.

Susan Boyle did it again

2009-05-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

Susan Boyle really knows how to make her audience sit still and listen to her song. Once again she wowed the audience probably all over the world. Her performance at the semi final of Britain's Got Talent 2009 was so emotional I think. I had tears in my eyes. Althoguh there was a little hiccup in the beginning but once she caught her momentum she just went right through.

Some people might say she's not that terrific but I think they're just jealous because of her overnight rise to stardom. She sings beautifully. The songs really suit her voice. Great choice. Good job for her tutor as well.

Pacquiao vs. Hatton Highlights

2009-05-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

Click here for the recap of Pacquiao vs. Hatton Hightlights.

Martin Nievera's best Lupang Hinirang

Watching the recap of the fight, I noted two significant things. First, Martin Nievera's rendition of "Lupang Hinirang" was without a doubt the best one I have ever heard beating all full-fledged Filipinos who have sung the national anthem during Pacquiao's fights. I must say Martin did his homework, applied his professionalism as a singer, and performed amazingly great. Not just because he already has a golden voice but you can tell that he really prepared himself for it.

Freddie Roach is sick

The other thing that I noticed has a little bit of a negative tune. Freddie Roach is sick with Parkinson's. It's really sad. Despite all the successes he was achieving with Manny's victories in the ring, a wicked disease is lurking nigh. It's true, Roach should get all the credit for being Manny's best trainer and I do hope and pray he will overcome this disease.

Pacquiao's latest victory

2009-05-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

This morning when I got up I was a bit nervous as I turned on my laptop googled for Pacquiao-Hatton news result and as you already know, I was greeted with the exciting news result.

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Right after seeing Ricky collapsing on the floor, motionless, and heard the commentators saying something about Manny's infamous "wicked left" I needed no more information. I folded the laptop and ran back to the room where my husband was still idly lying in bed and jumped at him as I proudly announced, KO at 2nd round! KO at 2nd round!

Last night before going to bed I wanted to post a blog and wish Pacquiao good-luck even if he doesn't read my blog. Well, at least I darted a quick prayer for him and the only way to let others know about it is to blog about it. You know I love blogging, don't you?

Anyway, it was half past 11 pm and my eyelids were getting heavy. Besides I wasn't sure if I could watch the bout simultaneously and there's no point keeping up till 2AM only to find out I can't watch it. So against my will I went to bed at around midnight. And the blog? Well, I changed my mind and didn't publish it.

Months before the bout, I overheard someone from the Filipino meeting I attended that he was going to bet on Pacquiao. I said to myself I would too. But then I felt guilty over the idea that I would be taking people's money. But a deliberation with self told me that, if I won't it someone else will anyway. Well, I decided I'd rather not engage myself to that sort of money-making scheme.

The beginning

When I first heard about the Pacquiao-Hatton match, I initially thought I would be able to watch Manny live if they played here in the UK. But things didn't go well at the start the next thing I knew was that their fight was cancelled. I was a little bit devastated. But a couple of weeks later things started to cheer up again when Pacquiao finally agreed--you know what it is if you have been following the news. However, I was again devasted to learn that the match would be held in Las Vegas and not in the UK anymore. That means, I don't have the chance to watch it live again.

Thrash talks

Like the previous fights Manny had, his opponents or one of the team would always belittle Pacquiao. Yesterday night while eagerly waiting for the match, I saw an article on inquirer.net regarding Mayweather Sr. saying Pacquiao had no technic and that Ricky Hatton would beat him.And so many more thrash talks who all ate their words once Manny and his opponent got in the ring.

The humble hero

Meanwhile, Manny humbly said something like "I'm not going to talk much but I'll let my fist do the talking." Might not be the exact words he used but it was very much like that.

This song

2009-04-22T02:22:00.000-07:00

There was this song I learned in the Sabbath School when I was a small girl and it was the weirdest song I'd ever heard.

It said, "Langgam naglupad-lupad" (Ano daw? Ang langgam lumilipad?)
"ang pako gibuklad-buklad" (Ano bang klaseng langgam yan? Yong malaking langgam na may pakpak?)
"Lukso latay sa sanga, twit, twit, twit ang iya awit" (O now, we're singing about the bird finally!)
"Lukso latay sa sanga, Kay bantayan ka" (whether it's a langgam or a bird, God cares for it.)

At first I thought it was funny and I never really understood the song until later when I grew older but I remember everytime we sang it I was full of confusion and I honestly thought the song was absurd, ridiculous, annoying. How could an ant fly and tweet?

Ellen Pompeo aka Meredit Gray is pregnant

2009-04-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's really fascinating, captivating, interesting everything.

When I first read the title of the news that Ellen Pompeo, the immediate reaction was "Is Derek the father?" haha!! I was hoping they would somehow hit it off in real life but that's just a wishful thinking. Something here is hinting how a little bit of a crazy I am over the series, Gray's Anatomy.

Anyway, Ellen Pompeo is pregnant with real love of her life, husband Chris Ivery.

Now the follow-up question is, will it be in her storyline? Hmm. Gray's Anatomy is getting more exciting.

Lesson from Susan Boyle

2009-04-21T01:59:00.000-07:00

Everywhere I turn I see her name and photo. Overnight she's become a word of the mouth. I was surprised her fame has reached all corners of the world. This is the power of media. Ordinary people and the least in the society could be take the world by storm in a split of a second.

Is Susan Boyle really that great? I mean does she really have that phenomenal voice? Actually, no. She's just as good as the others. But why are people going wild about her? I believe it's her story--how she climbed the ladder of stardom was so dramatic.

When she auditioned for Britain's Got Talent everyone was like negative, expecting another blooper like some auditioneers did in Simon's shows such as X Factor, American Idol, and of course Britain's Got talent. Sure they made us laugh, smile or cringe and it was, I think, Simon's initial reactions and facial expressions that made it even more dramatic. Also her cheeky responses and amusing body movements she made like hand akimbo and hip swaying displaying her cheerfulness and authenticity initially captivated the crowd like an appetizer. And when shse opened her mouth, everyone was surprised and immediately, they loved Susan right there and then. Unlike other auditioners, Susan Boyle was very humble and therefore people adored her. Susan Boyle's is pretty much a fairy tale story.

I think this is a good lesson for everyone. Never blow your own trumpet or people will trample your dignity and pride and claims. But like Susan, if you humble yourself people will love you and lift you up.

I won a million dollar??? SHUT UP!!!

2009-04-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Second time around I got an email like this. Just want to warn others that when you receive emails like this, don't jump at it. It's as clear as a broad daylight it's just a hoax or a spam or worse a scam.

THE CHEVRON/TEXACO OFFICIAL PRIZE NOTIFICATION.
You have been selected in the on-going Chevron/Texaco oil award held this
january 2009. We the promo board are pleased to inform you that you
Alongside four (4) other lucky winners have been approved for a payment
Of $1,000,000.00 USD. (One Million Dollars) in cash.
If you did receive this email, it means you are one of the five(5)
lucky winners. Your verification number is: (CT-222-6747,FGN/P-900-56).
CLAIMS PROCESSING OFFICER:
Name: Barrister Mr J Hennesy
Email: chevrontexacolimited@gmail.com
You are also advised to provide him with the under listed information
As soon as possible:
1. Name:.................
2. Address:..............
3. Marital Status:.......
4. Occupation:...........
5. Age:................
6. Sex:...........
7. Nationality:.....
8. Country Of Residence:.....
9. city/state................
10. Telephone Number:.......
11. Cell phone Number:............

We are glad to have you as one of our luckily winners.
Yours Sincerely
Barrister Mr J Hennesy,
Legal Adviser
Chevron Texaco Oil and Gas Company
Abuja
Nigeria

My New Hobby (Ang bago kong libangan)

2009-04-15T23:44:00.000-07:00

Hey there, wassup?

I know you've been dying to know how I've been. Well, one year in the UK and still no job. So what have I been doing?

I've been gardening, blogging and baking. I have just realized cooking and baking is in my blood. It's rooted in me. My father was a gourmet. He was the best chef in town. Well, he wasn't really a chef as it wasn't his job at all. But everybody knew that he was a great cook. Well, he was good at anything--carpentry, cooking, smoking and drinking most especially. He really excelled in doing that.

On the other side of the coin, my mother was also good at baking and sometimes cooking. Well, she didn't really learn how to do them properly until my father died and she was forced to do the cooking at home. And when she sold her fruits and vegetable stand in the town market (which is very sayang!) she got herself into baking native cakes made of rice, ground rice, sticky rice and ground sticky rice.

Opps! sorry I'm starting to ramble again. What I was trying to point out was that I inherited both of my parents' cooking and baking skills. Since I'm the fusion of their great skills, I emerged better! :-P Because I also cook Italian foods, you see?

Here, check out my baking and cooking blog at Simplified Recipes.

I feel like "17 again"

2009-04-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

You bet, just watched the movie with my dear hubby and I must say it made me feel like 17 again or at least I wish I were.

I must admit the movie made me want to go back in time and make things right. I sometimes think that I had always been a good student but now I realize that I could have made things so much better. Wasted years..they can never be reclaimed.

But it's not too late, is it? Everytime we feel the need to change is the right time to act on it. Procrastinate your procrastination. Never regret making the mistakes and make the most of what you got.

If an ebayer has a rating of less than 100%

2009-03-25T03:56:00.000-07:00

Last night I was searching for an 8G memory stick and I did find a very good deal on ebay. As a savvy internet junkie or just prudent ebayer, the first thing you have to do is check the seller's reputation, right?

Now, the seller I found is a powerseller having sold out more than 120,000 items on ebay. The reputation was something like 99.3%. Acting on impulse, I clicked on the feedbacks and listening to my doubts, I first checked the negative ones. Since I was contemplating on buying one of the seller's 8G memory stick, I paid more attention to the negative feedbacks on the same item. Alarmingly, dozens of them expressed their disappointment over the items they bought and the failure of the seller to settle the dispute. Some of them blatantly wrote AVOID!!!

But to be fair, I also checked the positive ratings and remarkably, tens of thousands of them are quite happy and satisfied. However, my judgment settled on the negative ones. I had deliberation with self and consequently, I retracted. I am not willing to gamble my £9 with a seller who has that type of reputation.

As I went to bed though, I thought of the vast majority who had a successful transaction with that seller and comparing the 24 who were let down I was beginning to realize it's actually a remote possibility. Afterall, I bought a bluetooth dongle from another seller with the same reputaion of 99.3% and was lucky to get the the item in working order.

But still the thought of the possibility of receiving the bad tomato is keeping me. Though it's remote but it could happen to me. What if I get to be one of those unlucky buyers? £9 is not a small amount to lose.

Is Firefox a trying-hard copy cat?

2009-03-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

Why did I say that?

Well, I just noticed that firefox browser is almost the same with Chrome now displaying the thumbnails of recently or most visited sites while on the right panel are the recently bookmarked and below is the recently closed tabs.

I am just wondering, is Firefox google's pet?

There are major differences though like tabs in Chrome open next to it while in firefox it does in the last tab. Chrome has an option to open windows in incognito which doesn't leave cookies. This is especially helpful if you entered credit card details. In Chrome, saved usernames and passwords already appear in the boxes and if you have multiple account for that site, Chrome predicts word as you type. In google you still have to type the whole username before a password appears. When typing a site name in the address bar, Chrome also predicts the site name base on recently visited or bookmarked sites and it already appears in the address bar as you type. In Firefox, however, it will give you a dropdown list where you can select the site and click on it.

Chrome is more simple in appearance but more complex and sophisticated in performance. However, since my McAfee site advisor does not install in Chrome's toolbar giving me no idea if a site is safe or not, I don't have much choice but resort to Firefox.

Spring is here

2009-03-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

This past couple of weeks I have been enjoying the start of a British summer as temperature starts to climb to 14 degrees Celsius. But wasn't brave enough to wear short sleeved tops yet when going outside.

However, on Sunday when we went to a car boot sale it didn't feel right. It was very windy and although the sun was out but clouds are moving fast in the sky and it felt like winter again. Also the nights are getting chilly again. I thought we were going to have early summer but I was wrong. Someone said there was going to be snow again. Oh, well, this is England.

I remember when I first arrived here in March last year it was the first day of spring and it was snowing. So I guess I'll have to brace myself up for another wintry spring.

I hate the rain. I used to love it when I was in the Philippines and Thailand because it cooled the air a bit giving temporary relief from the oppressive heat. But here in the UK when it rains and the wind blows it feels like zero even if it's actually 10. Sigh! This seemingly inclement weather is deterring me to go to the gym everyday.

Well, this is spring!

The Komodo Dragons Attack Again

2009-03-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

A fisherman,Muhamad Anwar was hunting for food when he became the hunted victim of a Komodo dragon and died on his way to the hospital, CNN News reported today.

Poor guy, in his search for food ignored the warning and entered a danger zone to meet his tragic end.

I'm just thinking out loud, is this how desperate man is becoming nowadays? He just wanted to pick some sugar apple so he won't die of hunger logically speaking. But he forgot the fact that he could die of an attack from the predators that are kept safe in that area.

Although Komodo attack on humans is rare but this is the fourth incident since 2007.

Slamdunk from 90 ft...Amazing Casey Weber

2009-03-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

Canestro incredible da un canestro all'altro su Yahoo! Video

Now that is what you call...hmmm I don't know, spectacular, out of this world, unbelievable, incredible aahhh!!

Made me recall "Slamdunk" and this one's real. I think there was an "angel in the court."

Daylight Saving Time for UK starts on March 29

2009-03-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited. Spring is here and we're getting more sunny days --cross my fingers--hope we'll get more.

And today on my way back home from the gym I took a picture of this sunset.

So, reminder for everyone, British summer time begins on March 29 and that means we are going to adjust our clock one hour forward.

A visit to Nottingham

2009-03-04T04:46:00.000-08:00

Nottingham Castle Museum
I had a chance to visit Nottingham and I admit I was very impressed. They've got lots of parks and forests that are accessible by trams and even if it's winter time and the trees are not starting to bloom yet, but you can almost picturize how grand and magnificent they would be in summer and autumn. I'd definitely go back there sometime in June or July.

Anyway, I didn't know Robinhood was from Nottingham. The castle museum was lively because they are manned by real people dressed in ancient costumes portraying how it had been in the past.

The Sheriff of Nottingham was an amiable person who hands you a certificate of friendship or some sort for visiting his county.

And of course the restaurant where we went was superb. We went to an international buffet consisting Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Italian menu. It was great! I had a great time.

Twitter, Facebook, Friendster...and the winner is....

2009-03-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

I am an average fan of social networking. Perhaps for individuals like me who only view internet as a modern form of entertainment and keeping in touch aside from reading news and articles, I have a fair amount of time to spend on checking out my friends' profiles across the globe.

The first ever that I have come to know was friendster and that was in the beginning of January 2004. Back then, online community was just an innovative and more fun ways of keeping in touch in place of emails and ecards. Then came mySpace, Facebook, hi5 and so on and so forth. I tried to maintain a profile in each site and I realized it's the same friends I'm hanging out with but just in a different site. So I stick with Friendster (FS) but ocassionally checked other sites for messages and updates from a couple of friends who are not on FS. In time, it became boring--at least for me. I stopped messaging my friends but just the thought of having them in my friends' list is more than satisfying. At least I know where to find them and that's what matters most.

The next best thing that cropped up was the photosharing. Now you don't have to go through the tedious job of attaching of photos in your mails which used to take so much time especially if the files were big and you don't know how to resize them first before sending them. (Speaking from experience LOL!)

As time went on, we see yet more improvements like pimping our profiles, adding videos and music and so on and so forth. It's getting more and more complex yet so simple to use because everything is done with just one click of a mouse. Then some more applications become available like photo slide, games, and about anything one can imagine to make social networking more fun than ever.

I think that whatever your reason is for using any of these sites is the indicator of whoever is the best for you.

Today I got promoted as an expert author on Ezine.com

2009-02-27T03:58:00.000-08:00

Such a happy news on such a lovely day. I have actually made three attempts and was almost going to quit when I finally made it. My first article went live on Ezine.com today and now I got the badge "Expert Ezine Article Author". It tickles me shimbers. I am grinning from ear to ear :-D

So what's the catch? Well, a lot of people are benefitting from writing articles on Ezine because they get huge traffic in return once their article is approved and goes live. As an aspiring blogger/writer I also wanted to belong to the league but I didn't know there was a little bit of a loop to go through. It wasn't the article writing itself but the backlink. Now that I have figured it out I aim to create more articles.

Why Ezine? They say that Google loves Ezine and if your article title is well-crafted it could appear on the top 5 in the Google search result which is really important especially if you are preselling something as an affiliate. It's like advertising a product for free by writing an article and that's really fabulous.

Credit Crunch, Recession, Redundancy

2009-02-25T17:50:00.000-08:00

This afternoon my husband told me he had a bad news for me. Immediately, my heart pounded heavier. Then he took a folded paper in his back pocket and handed it to me. It was a letter of warning to the employees in his factory. With the credit crunch and recession, some of the employees could be facing redundancy.

I felt a little stab in my chest. I have just arrived in the UK and I have not been working since the home office hasn't returned my passport or say, they haven't approved my visa and so I can't look for a job.

It's really heart-breaking. My mind raced to the unforeseen future. The house we are staying is on mortgage and if my husband losses his job it would be difficult for him to pay the mortgage and then the bank might repossess it. It is depressing to even think about it.

Living in the UK where everything is expensive and every move, every gadget and every person in your house has got to be taxed, it is unimaginable to survive a recession like this. Not only the poor are affected but the rich ones too. Where is UK going to? Is their economy going down the drain? They say that they still have got enough money. But how far can it go?

UK could be a relatively rich country, developed, and advance but in times of recession it could be hit with the hardest blow. I may not represent the whole country but at least it's what I see in the news everyday. People are paying through their nose to keep their house warm and have a decent meal. I think of the Philippines where most people live in a basic standard. Yet with a recession like this, the effect won't be as hard to them as the ones in the UK.

Oh, I used to think that we had long overcome the depression era and we are much wiser now. But why are we making the same mistakes? Why do we have to experience it again?

Google Money Pro Review

2009-02-25T15:42:00.000-08:00

Google Money Pro or G Money Pro is an ebook authored by Steven Holdaway. As I was skimming through his site I noticed a few spelling and grammatical error which are just minor by the way.

Anyway, the website is rather a lengthy testimonial on how he started. Like most internet marketers or similar sites, they all began as broke or on the verge or bankruptcy. Then he bought several ebooks on how google works and how to make money advertising with google adwords.

For some internet junkies like me, Steven was obviously talking about clickbank and affiliate marketing plus google adwords. But he didn't mention the clickbank part very well. Apparently, Steven's ebook contains step-by-step and easy to implement guide on how to harness the power of google adwords, in short internet marketing.

I have never ever bought a single ebook about internet marketing myself and because of the many bad reports I read online, I'm too scared to lose my money for a system that won't work for me. Most of the sites I came to review had a "Disclaimer" which further explains that one might not make money at all using their system. But G Money Pro doesn't have that disclaimer and he also claims that he is a certified google advertising professional which adds credibility to his book.

Oh, by the way, this is just a review of the website, gmoneypro.com, and not the product itself and I'm also not an affiliate of the product so I won't promote it either.

Why many are pirating Microsoft Softwares

2009-02-25T06:05:00.000-08:00

For the vast majority of computer users, Microsoft products are way too expensive. If you calculate the prices for all softwares you will need to have a safe and efficient working computer, it will amount equally to another computer set. Most people can't already afford to buy brand new CP so they resort to second-hand ones. So it's just practical to get a pirated software to go with their cheap PCs.

I'm not at all against Microsoft. Compared to IBM and Mac, Microsoft is more user-friendly. Although many are accusing MS for monopolizing the IT industry which I think is just right and therefore it seemingly gives them a grip on everybody which is not just and right. MS Softwares are plain unaffordable for average users.

And while many find it easier to get a pirated software without being arrested, it seems becoming right. Go to forums and you'll find that majority will say that they use pirated softwares or at least managed to tweak the trial version of a genuine product to extend their use.

But really, one doesn't have to steal or use pirated softwares if you can get it free. Most of us only know of Microsoft but there are similar softwares out there for free if you only know where to find them. For example you can go to Open Office and download the software for free. It

Are you using Legit or Pirated Softwares?

2009-02-25T05:04:00.000-08:00

When I was in Thailand, I and everybody I know used pirated softwares from OS to Office to burners to Antivirus, you name it. In fact I never knew where to find legitimate copies of any software because chances are they could also be pirated.

Well, I'm not implying that the whole country is a fraud when it comes to software. It's just that being a super ignorant end-user, I didn't know where to buy genuine softwares.

But of course I wasn't that complete idiot. I knew where to go for computer stuff and my favorite was Panthip Plaza and there was one close to where I lived called computer city and these two places I mentioned only sell pirated softwares.

If Microsoft is going to conduct a piracy attack in Thailand I think they will find that about 90 percent of the country is using pirated OS and Office and all other softwares.

However, this does not represent my knowledge and opinion on the entire planet. I'm sure there are other countries even developed countries like the US and UK who have got people using pirated softwares.

Can we really watch worldwide channels in our PC?

2009-01-20T16:20:00.001-08:00

Being away from my country makes me miss the things I have grown up with. There are times I would read over and over the one and only Philippine newspaper/publication I got from the Asian shop.

Then I came across Freeview that lets you watch tv programs in your PC. Well, I wasn't really convinced. I searched for a better gadget and I stumbled upon SatteliteSoft. It's a software that you can install in your PC and then you can watch more than 2000 worldwide channels live. I was very excited. But it wasn't free so I didn't bite it.

Then again I stumbled into another site PCTV4Me. This one is smarter than SatteliteSoft because it lets you download the software except that you can't watch the channels unless you pay. But at least it gives you an overall picture of what you're going to find inside like which channels from your country are available. Also it's cheaper than SatelliteSoft. Perhaps it is not as comprehensive as the former.

Thai King is the Richest Royal Forbes reports

2008-08-22T06:37:00.000-07:00

HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (prounouced as Pomipon Adunyadet) of Thailand has an estimated fortune of 35 Billion dollars according to Frobes. It is such a big surprise to me that the humble kingdom of Thailand is actually ruled by the wealthiest monarch in the world.

As if that was not enough to shock me, the news added that the "oil-rich Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi is far back at No. 2, Forbes magazine reported Thursday."

No wonder they can afford all those cloud seeding all throughout the year when it's needed.

Read the whole article here.

If you like this story please vote and pass it on. Grazie!

Yahoo Buzz has launched

2008-08-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

According to reports, Yahoo is the most visited site on the net. I got a message that Yahoo Buzz has finally launched and is now ready to be used to your sites or blogs.

I have never figured out how to put the digg button in my articles but yahoo buzz gave me no problem. Except that you have to put the article url yourself everytime you use the buzz.

Actualy, I have just tried it and now it's up here.

My first visit to London

2008-08-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

At long last, after about five months here in England I got to see the heart of London. Our first stop was London Bridge which have been fairly known to me ever since I was a child. When I got off the bus a sudden feeling of excitement rushed through my spine. I'm going to see London Bridge. It was more beautiful in reality than in photos. I couldn't stop admiring the sturdy structure with its admirable design. It was actually called the Tower Bridge. London Bridge is next to it but it's just an ordinary looking bridge.

Still at the River Thames, we crossed the famous bridge to see the St. James Castle. It was so big it takes a day to go around it and watch the shows reliving the olden times. There was a looong queue but we just passed by them.
Out next stop was at the St. Paul's Cathedral which is another London's must-see. It was beautiful outside and inside. I must say it's awesome.

From there we went to another bridge where there are flocks of tourists. What's in there? The House of the Parliament and Big Ben. It's another impressive building.

We also went to Picadilly--the center of London but there's nothing really special in there.

In Trafalgar square people were seated on the steps some to rest some to watch the Olympic updates.

Finally, to the Buckingham Palace. We can't miss it, can we? We passed through a park and chatted with the friendly birds but the one thing that caught most of our attention was the friendly squirrel. Frank found a peanut and called for the squirrel who hurriedly hopped toward him to grab the peanut from his hand. After claiming the prize, it scampered away looking for a safe place to hide the nut. Then it came back to get the other nut.

Surprisingly, we bumped with Dave and Marty of all the thousands probably million people in London that day. Together we head for the palace.

London is so big there is so much to see but we haven't got enough time. I really had a nice time in London.

Blackberry Jam

2008-08-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

They grow all over the county but for me it was a novelty because I have never tasted them much less seen them back in Asia. When I got here in England in March 2008 I noticed these ubiquitos shrubs by the way side, in our allotment and on empty lots. I knew they were berries because of their leaves. They are all the same whatever type of berries they are and I have seen them, wild berries, in Benguet.

Days past and I saw flowers coming up. And as the months passed I started to notice the fruits forming and growing. Eventually, they got matured. They look so appealing to me.

Finally the fruits started to get ripe and unable to resist I asked my husband to make a jam for me. I picked as much as I want and now we have 2 bottles of blackberry Jam

Today I started volunteering in a charity shop

2008-07-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hmm...I thought it's fun. I was putting the dress on a hanger, put the appropriate size label and steam them before they were tagged with a price and be displayed for sale. There was so much donations came in today. More bags came in than I have sorted. I was looking at all those donated items and it seems like ages before we can clear all the counters. It was a pretty easy thing and on the surface it looks as if I was just helping the shop. But in the long run I'm helping the less fortunate people.

Last week I saw a nice denim jacket in the charity shop. Even if I had some money I asked my husband to buy it for me. When he was paying it, he saw the ad wanted: a volunteer. I had seen the ad myself earlier but I hesitated a bit. But with my husband's nudge I got a courage. We took the number and once we got home I called them and said that I wanted to volunteer. Scot, the man on the other line told me to get fill-up an application form. I asked if I needed two references and he said, "If possible." I thought it was easy. I could ask Dave or Marty, my friends from church.

However, Dave and Marty were not there when I got to the church last Saturday. Monday I called them but they didn't call back. Sighed, I went to the charity shopon Tuesday morning to turn in my application form and told them that I couldn't get an endorsement letter or reference. Anyway, Scot told me he'd call in a couple days.

At around 1 pm, I got a call from Scot and asked if I could start anytime this week. Of course, I can. Then he asked if I could come tomorrow which I gladly accepted. They definitely need a hand.

Later in the afternoon I was in the allotment getting rid of some pestering weeds when I got a call from Emily, a Filipino friend from church. She needed a babysitter for her daughter because she's going to work 14 hours starting today.

I had been unoccupied all this time and now that I'm going to start volunteering, another job requires my attention. I could have called the charity shop and say that I need to babysit. Afterall, I'm just a volunteering with them while I get money from the latter one. But I thought that I have already given my word and I intend to keep it.

Coming home from work, I felt satisfied and I'm glad I made the right decision.

Fwd: The Evolution of a Shopping Experience

2008-06-20T04:59:00.000-07:00

*Fwd: This is a forwarded email

Subject: Evolution of the shopping experience

A new supermarket opened near my house. It has an automatic water mister
to keep the produce fresh. Just before it goes on, you hear the sound of
distant thunder and the smell of fresh rain.

When you pass the milk cases, you hear cows mooing and you experience
the scent of fresh mown hay.

In the meat department there is the aroma of charcoal grilled steaks.

When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cluck and cackle, and the
air is filled with the pleasing aroma of bacon and eggs frying for
breakfast.

The bread department features the tantalizing smell of fresh baked bread
& cookies.

I don't buy toilet paper there any more.

Fwd: Battle of the Brainless

2008-06-20T04:52:00.000-07:00

The Battle of the Brainless is back!

Host: What 'N' (narra) is the
national tree of the Philippines?

Contestant: Niyog?
Host: Mas matigas pa diyan.

Contestant: (in a strong-sounding voice) NIYOG!!!

Host: Saan 'B' (Bagumbayan) binaril si Jose Rizal?
Contestant: Sa back?

Host: O sige, puwede rin na ang simula ay letter 'L' (Luneta).

Contestant: Likod?
Host: Hindi pa rin. Para mas madali, 'R.P.' ang initials ng modern name nito(Rizal Park).

Contestant: Rear Part? (Susme! Likod pa rin yun!)

Host : Saan 'B' (beach) tayo madalas pumunta pag summer upang maligo?
Contestant: Banyo?

Host: Hindi, pag pumunta ka
doon, maaarawan ka.

Contestant: Bubong?

Host : Hindi, marami kang makikita duong mga babaeng
naka-bikini.

Contestant: Beerhouse!

Host: Anong 'L' (Lifeguard) ang tawag sa tao na
sumasagip sa iyo pag ikaw aynalulunod?
Contestant: Lifebuoy?

Host: Hindi, pero kahawig nga ng pangalan ng sabon ang pangalan ng ito.

Contestant : Safeguard?

Host:Hindi, pagsamahin mo yung dalawang sagot mo.

Contestant : Safe Buoy?

Host: Hindi siya 'boy'
at matipuno nga ang kaniyang
katawan.

Contestant: Ah, Mr. Clean!

Host: Anong 'S' (Salbabida) ang ginagamit na flotation device sa dagat upang hindi ka malunod?

Contestant: Sirena?

Host: Hindi! Hindi ito babae.

Contestant: Siyokoy?

Host: Hindi ito lalake.

Contestant: Siyoke?

Host: What 'S' (Sampaguita) is the national flower of the Philippines?

Contestant: Sunflower?

Host : Hindi. Bi nebenta ito sa kalye.

Contestant: Stork?

Host: Hindi. Bulaklak sabi eh.

Contestant: Sitsarong bulaklak?

Host: Hindi pa rin. It ends with a letter 'A'.

Contestant: Sitsarong bulaklak na may suka?

Host: Oh, para madali, uulitin ko ang clues at dadagdagan ko pa! Anong pangalan ng bulaklak na nagsisimula sa 'S', nagtatapos sa letrang 'A', at kapangalan ng isang sikat na singer?

Contestant: Si...Sharon Cuneta!

Host: Sino ang kauna-unahang Chess Grandmaster (Eugene Torre) of Asia?

Contestant: Carole KING?

Host:Hindi, mas mababa sa king.

Contestant: Al QUINN?
Host: Hindi, tagalog ang apelyido niya.

Contestant: Armida Siguion-REYNA?

Host: Hindi pa rin. Mas mababa sa reyna.

Contestant: BISHOP Bacani?
Host: Mas mababa sa bishop.

Contestant : Johnny MidNIGHT?

Host: Mas mababa sa Knight.

Contestant: Jerry PONS?

Host: Oh, ayan na, nabanggit mo na lahat ng piyesa sa Chess. Yung kahuli-hulihang piyesa na lang.

Contestant: Sylvia laTORRE!

Host: Sino ang national hero na naka-picture sa 500 Peso bill? Clue,may initials na N.A. (Ninoy Aquino)

Contestant:Nora Aunor?

Host: Hindi. Ang pangalan niya ay nage-end sa 'Y'.

Contestant: Guy Aunor?

Host: Hindi.Dati siyang Senador.

Contestant: Si Former Senator Guy Aunor?

Host: Hindi. Patay na siya.

Contestant: ANO??!! PATAY NA SI NORA AUNOR???!!!

One more dagdag:

Host: What 'K' (kalabaw) is the national animal of the Philippines?

Contestant: Kuto?

Host: Hinde. Clue, it tills the land.

Contestant : Kutong Lupa!

The Thirty Day Challenge

2008-06-20T00:21:00.000-07:00

Watch this video

The Pathetic Wallet

2008-06-19T03:27:00.000-07:00

I have this wallet that I have been using for a couple of years now and I bought it in a bargain shop in Bangkok. It cost only 20 baht but I have a very close affinity with it. Or I think it's pathetic and it's like cast with a spell.

Here's the story.

A few weeks after buying this wallet, I got a new wonderful lady's wallet made from sting ray leather that was gifted by my student. It was the long type of kind. And this is not a cheap one. Compared to my pathetic wallet, this one costs about 1,500 baht. But everytime I used this wallet I noticed that money goes out in large amounts.

Because it is bigger and bulkier than the cheap wallet I would always resort back. And everytime I use it back money comes in in large amounts too.
I told my observation to my friends and colleagues and we just shrug our shoulders to it. But it's getting really old and torn and one friend said that I better keep it. I also told myself that I would keep it even if it looks like an antique.
However, during the last quarter of 2007 I got sick and almost died. And even if I was using the pathetic wallet that time money went out and made me broke.

When I got home in the Philippines I told myself that I need a new and decent-looking wallet. After all my pathetic wallet let me get sick and spent so much. But I want a cheap one coz I am not posh. So out I went one day to purchase a black and red wallet that looked decent enough. Again it's the long type of kind like the sting-ray one. Guess what happened? The very next day after using it, the British Embassy called me and advised me to pay 42,000 pesos for my visa. Scratching my head, I had to abandon the new wallet and go back to the pathetic one.

Anyway, I was on my way to the library today and I dropped by the charity shop. And you know what? I bought myself a new wallet for only 50p. This time it's smaller than the pathetic wallet but has more compartments for the coins and cards. It looks very decent and no scratches. I am replacing my pathetic wallet.
Oh please, I want the spell to be broken this time.

Iba ang Pinoy

2008-06-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

Juan: Inay! Ako lang ang nakasagot sa tanong ng titser namin kanina!
Inay: Very good! Ano ba ang tanong ng titser ninyo?
Juan: 'Sino ang walang assignment?

Iba ang PINOY!!!!!
PINOY CONTRACTOR ABROAD

Three contractors are bidding to fix the White House fence.

One from the Philippines , another from Mexico and an American.

They go with a White House official to examine the fence.

The American contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil. Well,' he says. 'I figure the job will run about $900: $400 for materials, $400 for my crew and $100 profit for me.'

The Mexican contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says, 'I can do $700: $300 for materials, $300 for my crew and $100 profit for me.'

The Filipino contractor doesn't measure or figure, but leans over to the White House official and whispers: '$2,700.'

The official, incredulous, says, 'What? You didn't even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure? How do you expect me to consider your service with that bid??

'Easy,' the Pinoy explains, '$1,000 for you, $1,000 for me and we hire the guy from Mexico '.

The next day, the Pinoy and the Mexican are working on the Fence.

* * * * *

Joke
Q. What's the difference between corruption in the US and corruption in the Philippines ?

A. In the U.S. they go to jail. In the Philippines , they go to the U.S.

* * * * *

Q. What`s the difference among Philippine Presidents Cory, Gloria and Erap?

A. Cory can`t tell a lie.
Gloria can`t tell the truth.
Erap can`t tell the difference.

* * * * *

REPORTER: Sir, kung wala po kayong evidence, witness or suspect ano na po ang next step ninyo??
Police: DNA na...
REPORTER: sir, ano po yung DNA ???
Police: 'Di Namin Alam '

* * * * *

bobo1: Pare, alam mo ba tawag sa paniki na mababa ang lipad?
bobo2: hindi eh! ano ba pare?
bobo1: Lowbat pare! Lowbat!

* * * * *

TEACHER: Anong similarity nina Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Ninoy Aquino at Apolinario Mabini?
STUDENT: Ma'am, pagkaka-alam ko po, silang lahat ay pinanganak ng holiday!

* * * * *

'

* * * * *

Titser: Ano ang hugis ng mundo?
Juan: Kuwadrado po, maam!
Titser: Hindi! Ang mundo ay bilog.
Juan: Pero maam, sabi ng lolo ko, narating na niya ang APAT na sulok ng mundo. May sulok po ba ang bilog?

* * * * *

Boss asks sexy secretary to a dinner after overtime: Are you free tonight?
The sexy secretary replies: Sir, ha.... huwag naman, FREE.... Bibigyan na lang kita ng discount!

* * * * *

Eliseo: Sobra na talaga ang katangahan ng kumare mo. Ang akala niya, ang LAWSUIT ay uniporme ng pulis!
Joshua: Sus! Tanga nga! Eh di ba, uniporme ng abugado yun?

* * * * *

Erap to Cardinal Rosales: Cards, hangga ngayon galit pa ang simbahan sa akin.. This is unfair!

Cardinal Rosales: Bakit mo naman nasabi yan, Erap?

Erap: Tignan 'nyo Cards, mayroong sabado de GLORIA, mayroong Sagrado de CORAZON at mayroon ding Linggo de RAMOS, Bakit ako wala? Naging presidente din naman ako, ah.

Cardinal Rosales: O sige na nga, Erap. Para wala kanang reklamo mula ngayon sa iyo na yang ASS Wednesday!

Language-based jokes

2008-06-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

For Ilocanos

3 Friends were trying to outbrag each other about how strong their father is.
Tagalog: Ang tatay ko limang baka kinakatay araw-araw.
Bisaya: Wala yan! Ang tatay ko 10 baka kinakatay araw-araw.
Ilocano: Awan ah! Ni tatang ko uray matmaturog agkat-katay!

For Ilonggos

Still outdoing each other about presidents who speak their language.

Ilocano: Kaming mga Ilocano may presidente na. Si Marcos.
Tagalog: Kami rin naman ah, si Manuel L. Quezon.
Ilonggo: (Scratching head) Bal-an mo si Toto Reagan? Ilonggo na!

For Cebuanos

A native of Manobo was having an interview to get a place in Mountain View College.
Interviewer: Do you know how to speak English?
Manobo: Yes, Sir!
Interviewer: What is good in English:
Manobo: Maayo gyud!
Interviewer: What is sad in English?
Manobo: Guul sad!
Interviewer: What is food in English?
Manobo: Pagkaon pud!

For Pangasinense

Antonio is traveling around the world and he was surprised his name changes everywhere he goes.
He went to America and they called him Anthony.
He went to Russia and they called him Anthonsky.
He went to Italy and they called him Anthonini.
He went to Germany and they called him Anthonen.

Finally he went back to the Philippines and visited Pangasinan and do you know what they called him? Antotan.

Ariel Pineda with JOURNEY at CBS Sunday morning News 6/1/08

2008-06-03T02:23:00.000-07:00

Another Pinoy Pride Ariel Pineda hits the road to stardom. I just can't help posting it here and share it with my readers.

After All These Years with Journey..A Special Request. So Sweet

Talking Photo Booth--very funny

2008-06-03T01:58:00.000-07:00

Another hilarious prank

Sonnet

2008-05-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

Soils have dried on the surface
Tulips, daffodils and bluebells have withered away
Roses and fuschia and lavenders have come to blossom instead
No more furry coats, mittens and boots
No more leather coats and scarf wrap around ones soul
Bees sipping nectars from the flowers
The sound of the birds chirping in chorus in the trees
Insects serenading at night
Dandelions floating in the air
Someone eating ice cream in the sun
Classrooms are empty
Schoolgates are shut
Children playing in the park...
Summer is here.

Best ever romantic proposal I've ever seen

2008-05-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

I think this is the most romantic proposal I have ever seen. During Shania's concert in Chicago a guy proposed to his girlfriend up in the stage, in front of the crowd with Shania's help and she later sang "When you kiss me" while the couple dances. It's very touching, brought tears to my eyes. Watch the video.

Anna and the King

2008-05-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

This movie has never been more meaningful to me than when I lived in Thailand for more than six years. I got to relate with it especially the boundaries set by the culture. The traditions and the monarchial protocol are still pretty much the same.
However, I think that Anna is very arrogant. She came to Thailand to teach Prince Chulalongkorn but in the movie she tend to stepped over the line and even wanted to dictate the king what he was supposed to do. Thus, King Mongkut got upset that he was made to appear weak.
Well, I think that it's a bit bias as the movie was told to be influenced by Anna's Diary which is of course one-sided.
But if the focus is on the love story between the king and Anna, it's kinda titillating.

Into the Wild

2008-05-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

Based on a true to life story of Chris who left home in search of peace and happiness after he found out his father had another family. Instead of going to law school, he donated all his money to a charity and went about the states hithhiking. Eventually he landed to Alaska where he had been wanting to go and there started his lonesome surival. He eventually realized happiness is better shared.
Warning: It might bring you to tears.

Paypal Versus Western Union

2008-04-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

Sending money through Western Union is getting expensive

Are you being plagued by the high cost of sending money especially to the Philippines? Many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) like me use Western Union to send money back home. WU is a rip off and if you send every month you will be shocked at the amount of money you spend to use their service.

Good news, there is a better way to do that. By using paypal, you can cut the cost by as much as 50 to 75 %. It's absolutely free to send money. The recipient will be charged less than a hundred pesos to withdraw money to their bank.

What is Paypal?

Paypal is a leading online account that you can use to pay and receive payment. You have to use either a credit card or a debit card to withraw to withdraw your paypal money. When you open a paypal account you will be asked to verify your account with your credit or debit ATM card. Paypal accepts payment in any local currency.

Which Philippine Bank accepts Paypal?

Union Bank has currently partnered with Paypal to offer an affordable money transfer to Filipinos. What you need to do is sign up for a Unionbank eon Cyber Account. And in 5 days you can get your card. Plus Unionbank cyber account is zero maintaining balance.

To activate your Unionbank cyber account card, you need to deposit Php150.00 before you can use it with Paypal. Also, you need to pay Php 350.00 annual fee. However, it is still way cheaper than paying Western Union Fee everytime you send money.

How to Withdraw your money from Paypal to your ATM?

Once you have activated your Unionbank eon Cyber Account, apply for a Paypal account online and give the information they ask you. Or You can follow the online instruction when you get your paypal account.

Get a paypal account here!

Thoughts at random

2008-02-07T05:19:00.000-08:00

I was reading the book Steps to Christ and was very engrossed with it that on the other side of my mind I thought that I could already make my own sermon about the love of Jesus. Two days after finishing the book I was still contemplating on the illustrations of God’s love when I passed by a kaimito tree. I noticed the fruits that are almost getting riped and I thought it’s one of God’s love.

Since then I have become mentally active. Whatever I do or see I always find my mind busy with rationalizing, analyzing, synthesizing, and probably all types of cognitive process.

However, I find it possible to turn off this cognitive process when it comes to people I see on the streets unless they do something unusual. A blind musician by the sidewalk switches the good judge in my mind and tells me that if I buy Yanni’s cd for a hundred baht why not buy this street musician’s songs? The next thing I know my hand reaches for all the coins in my pocket and drop them in the tin.

Yes, I rarely mind other people’s business. As long as they are not getting in my way, they can do what they want and I don’t care.

Every Saturday I walk to church and I pass by a park where the verdant grass invites me to sit for a while and lavish my eyes on the beauty of the nature around. The small white flowers that grow in the field accentuates the lush carpet and I sigh in relief and blurt, “What a beautiful world!”

Palawan Beaches #4 in the Top 10 Beaches of the World

2008-01-29T23:11:00.000-08:00

All the while I thought "The Beach" was shot in Thailand until I saw this article.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2007/feb/16/beach.top10?page=all

Isn't that amazing? I'm not conceited if I say that my province is blessed with beautiful beaches. I have proofs. I've been to other beaches in North Philippines and in Thailand but I have never seen anything like Palawan. I had the chance to see Coron when our boat docked there on the morning of Dec. 21, 2007. Traveling to the north Palawan, you will also see breath-taking scenes of unspoiled beaches, water and mountain at one place. I just though I would share.

Eureka!!

2008-01-27T22:23:00.000-08:00

At last I've found it! About a year ago, I posted a discussion on mylot entitle "What's the title of that song?" and nobody could tell me the title. I also asked my musician friends by humming the tune but they couldn't tell me the title either.

About last week I was browsing at the cd store when I saw classical music by Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven. I couldn't decide which cd to by coz I love them all but I had only a budget for one. Since I wanted one for lullaby I picked Bach.

I got home and listened to the songs and VOILA! I heard that song I had been longing to hear for so long! I checked the cd case to check the title "Sheep May Safely Graze From The Hut"" I was so happy! I couldn't contain my joy. Now I can look for the piece in the university library and play the song too.

Thanks God for the little surprises in our lives.

It's nice to be home

2007-12-17T23:19:00.000-08:00

One week after I came back to Philippines. First thing that I devoured is a bunch of tondan. Grabe, I miss Philippine bananas so much. Today, my mom and I had a bonding. We went to Baclaran to buy bargain goods before we embark on our trip to Palawan. And of course we both had halo-halo. It's a rare occasion to go out with my mom so I consider it a special day. I also saw a guyabano on my way to the internet shop this evening. Sometimes when I'm on the jeepney I feel strange. Being away for 6 years and 7 months, I must have unlearned some Pinoy cultures and now they're coming back. I love it here. I miss Philippines so much and I'm just glad to be back. What's so special about this homecoming is that I'm here to stay, to enjoy a stress-free life, to lavish myself with everything I have missed while abroad, and to feast on Philippine's best fruits--Manggang Kalabaw at Tondan.
Anyway, I can't thank God enough for the joy of being home.
Happy Holidays to all of you.

Reconciled

2007-09-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had one of those cherished moments here at my school. I was standing in front of the dorm waiting for my Chinese friend to bring the DVD player when somebody behind me called my name. When I turned I saw the girl whom I scolded last week. She looked so sweet and shy. I smiled back. She said, "I'm sorry about last week!" I was so touched. The more I regretted being nasty to her and I also I apologized for my quick temper. She said that it was okay. The more it melted my heart. She went on to say, "I'll not do it again next time." And I said, "Okay, forget it." She bowed and said "thank you."

(By the way, for those haven't read my previous blog please read it for reference on the entry above.)

Oops! I did it again.

2007-09-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

Did what? Lost my temper!
I have been battling with self-control lately and every time my patience is being challenged. Perfect! Just when I need it!

Today, students were flirting in my classroom (at my back). I was assessing students' conversation skill by twos and one philandering girl was flirting with her boyfriend who didn't belong to the class. I asked him to go out and went on with my assessing. When one group finished, I stood to confront a boy who was participating. Surprisingly, a girl rushed to say "quickly!" and the same couple whom I had separated earlier catapulted from the floor.

A rush of anger gripped me and I shouted: What the hell!! Somehow, those ESOL students who could barely understand basic English lessons understood what I said. Then I went on to scold the girl. (Terrible words I threw at her)
I don't mind if she flirts with her boyfriend. She has the rights to do whatever she wants with her life. I don't mind what they do as long as they don't do it in my territory. And that time since they were doing it in my class I couldn't in any way tolerate it.

Wishing for one global language but what would it be?

2007-07-12T02:32:00.000-07:00

It's just exasperating. I went to the laundry service at school and I told the laundry women to iron my clothes inside out as I hate having silver lines along the stitches. When I went to pick up the clothes, she just ironed it without washing! Okay, my Thai is very limited and I don't know how to explain it very well. With signs, gestures, and actions I tried to say "wash and iron" but still she didn't wash. I don't know if it's misunderstanding or just plain laziness on her part. Sigh!

I gave an instruction to my students how to present their skit. The next day they told me they were not ready because they did not understand what to do. I think they just wanted to extend their time but they could not tell me either.

How did we get so many languages? Where did all the many different languages come from? What was the first language?

I wish there was only one language in the world. Everybody understands each other. No need for translators. No need for language teachers. Time spent for learning a new language could be spent for a better undertakings. Money and effort spent for translations or international education could be spent for the improvement of people's lives.

But what language would that be?

Many countries will protest to use that global language if theirs is not chosen. There will be many disadvantages of it as well. Cultures and traditions will be merged with the rest of the world. There will be no more uniqueness. What else? The people who speak that language will feel flambouyant and arrogant that their mother tongue is chosen by the whole world. However, they may not need to learn a new language but it would be a pity to be able to speak only one language. The rest of the world will understand you but you can't comprehend their language.

All problems have solution. But sometimes a solution could have another problem on the other side.

May God give me the courage to accept the things I cannot change.

Acculturated or just a plain loser?

2007-06-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

If there’s one thing I always find hard to do, it is to confront. I heard it’s an Asian thing. We are careful not to cause someone to loose face especially if we’re not familiar with each other. Cautious not to embarrass others for in doing so we are creating enemies and not friends. I am stationed to watch a group of students taking a test. I have a co-guard. With 38 students fairly scattered in the classroom it is not hard to spot cheaters. But wily and deviously determined students were more watchful than the guards for their slightest inattention is the students’ scheming opportunity to plagiarize. It’s amusing how they try to disguise their cunning ability but it’s very obvious when they gawk at their neighbor’s paper and quickly write down on their answer sheet what they have just seen. Occasionally, they catch my eyes staring at them and they can’t help but smile as if to disguise their embarrassment. I was getting concerned and wanted to say out loud what I had written on the board earlier to “look at your own papers” but I have never met so many friendly faces and it breaks my heart to embarrass them. Also I’m hesitant to do it because it may not be allowed. However, my guilt is yelling at me to do something. I better take the easy way out—chicken and coward me! Just then as I was contemplating on what to do my co-guard reprimanded a girl who was looking at a paper over her shoulder. Okay, so this is not my territory and I have no right to embarrass the inhabitants of this amazing country in the southeast. Well, I have thought of something instantly. When I saw my co-guard looking at my direction, I pretended holding up my pen but was pointing at a girl who was gaping at her neighbor’s paper. There was a strong urge for me to tell them to mind their own papers but if I say than and eyes are set on an individual, he/she might think I’m referring to him/her. Well…I have thought of another device. I’ll pretend looking at my paper while telling them to look at their papers. I hope it works. It’s time for the last test of the day. I’m ready to execute my plan. Oh, my Buddha! Someone has erased what wrote on the board. I’ll just sit here quietly for now.

yearning for banishment

2007-06-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

I feel like giving up. The tensions, pressures are getting way over my head and I’m drowning in desperation. The tension is surrounding me like a strong wind and there’s no way out. I feel like a trash on a crowded roadside where I get trampled on unmindfully. And there’s no way out for me. I may come out of the mess but by that time I’d be torn and impossible to put the pieces back together. No one would dare to pick a mucky piece of paper after it has been treaded by countless soles. The only way out is to wait for midnight when all of the people disappear leaving the useless dirty paper by itself. That’s the only time it can find rest and peace. Unfortunately, the time now is midday. The sun is still in the horizon and midnight is way out of sight.

Another sleepless night

2007-01-08T22:41:00.000-08:00

Last night was my first time to sleep in the dorm. But first I had to clean up the screens and all conrners of the windows coz I don't want to see those dusts greeting me first thing when I wake up in the morning. I heard the bell 3 times and I remember what Doca, my roomy told me--If you hear three short rings it means there's a male coming so we should not dress like this (you know what I mean ladies). When we finally retired on our beds my roomy said "it's kinda strange to see you in tonight." She let me use her pillow. The weather was not cosy. If I use the blanket it's too hot. If I turn on the ceiling fan it gets too cold. I hate this feeling. Finally, I had to open the door to let the fresh air ventilate the room but the light emanating from the lamp-post in front of my room was distracting me. I can't sleep well with the lights on. I tried to be comfortable but my eyes didn't wanna go to dreamland. I twisted and turned and the bed was creeking at everytime I move. I could hear almost all sounds from within a hundred feet. The cars from the highway, the shells that are blown by the wind, the exhaust fan from the toilet everytime someone uses it, the myriad of birds who seemed to be singing in chorus with an orchestra of insects. It was past midnight when I finally dozed off but only to be awaken very early the next day by the sound of the bell and water coming out from the washroom. Time for breakfast. I better flex those biceps and other muscles. Another day has begun.

Flexing muscles

2007-01-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

Actually my muscles are sore around my tibia and fibula trudging up and down Asia Pacific International University (APIU) campus. I think I miss Krungthep.

Last night I ate too much and couldn't sleep right away. Thought it would be very noiseless in here because I'm far from the city but I was wrong. the campus is near the railway and every couple hours I hear the locomotive pass by and because it's a long queue of trucks its noise is as long as its size! Oh my word, I could almost count the number of wheels as they clang with the iron railway. I have already counted 4 so far and was waiting for the fifth when I finally dozed off.

It was a long night. Early the next day before the dawn breaks I heard the cooing of the birds and the chirping of some insects from the nearby trees. This is such a farm life that I have to get used to.

Oh by the way, I'm not yet sleeping in the dorm. I stayed in a house near the backyard that's why I hear all those noises.

When the door closes

2007-01-03T03:08:00.000-08:00

I had a rather unhappy ending for year 2006--at least that's what I thought. But when I look at a different angle it seemed everything was going right. It's just that I stared too long at the closed door I didn't realize that the window behind me was offering a way out. Sometimes we have to make mistakes before we learn. Is there a short cut to all the knowledge we need? I guess no.

The dorm room is rather smaller than I thought. I have left Bangkok. Stay at Mission College. Have access to the library and free internet. Live simply. Just bring my books and clothes basically. Everything else I had I got rid of them.

I was introduced to my new roomy and she ushered me to our room. At the first sight of it I wanted to turn my back and go back to Bangkok. The desks assigned to me were dusty. Underneath was some dirt. The window screen didn't look clear. Looks like nobody has stayed there for a year. I didn't sleep on my bed. I went to an acquaintance's house and stayed there overnight.

The music from my roomy's computer was playing loudly--certainly not the type I wanted to listen to when I'm studying. But it seemed okay. The door to the washroom was open and I could hear another music from the next room. But still I was reading my book. If I was in the same situation in Bangkok I would have closed my book and probably cleaned the apartment. But here it seemed okay. I'm in the mood to study no matter what noise I hear. I have so much to do and didn't know where to start. Then I realized I had to free myself first from all these anxieties that beset me. I cannot contain them all in my brain. So here I am slowly unloading my mind and put them all here.

The weather is nice. Though it's still not as pleasant as I wish but I'm starting to like it here.

on the edge

2006-08-16T04:45:00.000-07:00

Life is getting tougher and tougher. I don't have a job right now and I'm studying. I'm studying because I don't have a job. How am I suppose to survive? But God is always on time. He knows I would be in this situation even before our human mind could possibly perceive about it. So what did God do? He sent me friends who would be there when I need them. Does God really determine our future? He knows our future but we are not to be robots. We are totally resposible of whatever we do with our life. We are hopeless--helpless without God. Since He knows the future and He can change our ashes into beauty the best thing to do is to always ask His divine guidance. He plans to give a future full of hope and He will take me there.

A perfect plan intercepted

2006-06-08T02:48:00.000-07:00

it was June 2, the last day of school. I planned to get away from Bangkok and visit a nearby beach resort--Bangsaen. But, oh, I've got so many social responsibilities here that held me until Friday where I was supposed to watch the Royal Barge Procession. Let me count them one by one. Saturday, I had to see a friend who will give me a printer. Sunday, just normal day--laundry day. Monday--Dreamworld day. Tuesday--King's Park day? Maybe if it didn't rain. Wednesday, went to Fashion Island. It was such a boring trip that ended in a boring mall. It was a dead place. Why did they build such a big mall out of nowhere? Thursday, I had an appointment with the school visa officer. I must appear to the immigration. Unfortunately, my documents were not finished yet so I didn't have to go. After one week of waiting, nobody has even called me to inform me of it. How about my plan to get away? Now I have few days left! Why is it that sometimes I get trapped by some disorganized people? If only I had known earlier. Last night a lady came to my apartment and offered a massage. I politely refused but she was very insistent. I told her that I'm broke but oh, my word, she's a win-win lady! So, in short, she won. I don't remember when was the last time I had a body massage but mind you, this lady just smashed my muscles and joints that I couldn't stop screaming!!! Whoa! I thought I would feel better after that but I felt worse the next day. Felt like I ran around the oval 10 times. She exhausted all my energy! Again, it intercepted my plan! My whole body was shaking and even after eating 5 cups of rice I didn't feel any better! I just wish I could be more assertive. Can I? How?

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2001-01-01T09:06:00.000-08:00

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